What is the difference between minor and major fouls, and where is the free position taken?

The Lacrosse Canada Women's Field Rules Summary 2025-26 (based on the World Lacrosse rules) describes:

Minor fouls are generally non-dangerous, for example empty crosse check, withholding the ball, held crosse, illegal draw, early entry, illegal procedure (equipment, substitution), hand ball, offside and delay of game. The offending player stands 4 m to the side of the player awarded the ball.

Major fouls are potentially dangerous, for example check to the head, dangerous follow-through, dangerous propel, swipe, across the body, block, charge, dangerous check, dangerous play, detain, illegal contact, illegal cradle, misconduct, shooting space, three seconds, trip and ward. The offending player stands 4 m directly behind the player awarded the ball (unless there is a card).

Below the goal line extended inside the AFA, the free position is set on the nearest dot; between the 15 m and 11 m lines, a minor foul is taken on the 15 m line in line with the foul and a major foul at the spot of the foul. Other players must be at least 4 m away.